A new milestone has been reached in New Zealand Police’s mission to reflect the community they serve. Women now officially make up 25% of the police force — and our recent kōrero with Deputy Commissioner: Leadership & Capability, Tania Kura, shows that their eyes are set on even further horizons.
This achievement comes as New Zealand Police, a Global Women Partner, has been deliberate in their diversity recruitment efforts in order to match their workforce to New Zealand’s diverse population.
We asked Deputy Commissioner: Leadership & Capability Tania Kura about what she and the Police are most proud of in reaching this milestone. For them, this number represents a significant turning point for cultural change: “There’s a lot of research to indicate that 25% is the threshold or tipping point, for when a minority group can upend conventional beliefs and behaviours,” shares Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura. “This is a huge step in our journey to ensure we better reflect the communities we serve… We hope that in achieving this milestone that women and all New Zealanders can see themselves having a successful career within Police.”
“25% is the threshold or tipping point, for when a minority group can upend conventional beliefs and behaviours”
For New Zealand Police, this trend in diverse representation is incredibly important. “We police with the consent of the public. In order to prevent crime and keep our communities safe we must have the trust and confidence of everyone. An important step to achieve this, is ensuring our communities see themselves, and all their diversity, in our workforce.”
“We police with the consent of the public… we must have the trust and confidence of everyone”
Historically, it’s taken New Zealand Police 50 years to see 10% of its constabulary workforce being women and a further 25 years to get to 20%. Continuing to recruit to match their demographics will see the force achieve 40% of women’s participation in 10 years’ time.
As for what’s next from this positive trend for New Zealand Police? They’re not resting on their laurels yet. “It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to attract such talented and diverse people from across New Zealand and the world into a career in policing, shares Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura. “We’re proud to reach this significant milestone, however we’ve still got work to do. We’re aspirational about our future and our goal is to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity makeup of New Zealand.”
“We’re aspirational about our future and our goal is to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity makeup of New Zealand”
— Deputy Commissioner: Leadership & Capability, Tania Kura